We drove from Paradise to the parking lot used for climbing Lassen Peak. Cathie agreed to watch the dogs while I went up. I recall wanting to climb Lassen with my father and sister Joanne back in 1956 or so. At the time I was told I was too little. Now I hoped I wasn’t too old. Apparently I wasn’t and made it up and down in about 3 hours.
Parking lot start of climb.
Lake Almanor from part way up.
A view from the summit.
The actual summit is another 10 minutes from the first time one tops out. When I reached the highest point I could see a concrete pad about 20 ft below me. It looked to be 6 to 8 feet in diameter. Not sure what it is for, but my speculation is that it is for GPS or laser ranging equipment. Perhaps geologists are trying to determine if the mountain is swelling, or perhaps shrinking, as the result of magma activity. Lassen last blew in May 1915. Just over 100 years ago.
Instrument pad near summit.
We then drove out of Lassen National Park and stopped at Big Pine campground on national forest land. This campground has water and toilets, so it is pretty nice.
Big Pine Campground entrance.
Getting dinner ready.
Packed and ready to leave.
There was a small bonus of a creek next to our campsite that added a pleasant audio ambience. The dogs were pretty happy sniffing in the woods. The hunting hound in Cap was tuggingly obvious. He gets a scent and pulls like crazy. I don’t think any amount of training will overcome that instinct.
Big Pine Creek?